The decision
Small chunky and slightly flexible, turning only one way, the Aqara Valve Controller T1 is still a useful tool for making manual butterfly or lever valves. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to shut off gas or water, or want to pair it with water leak or gas detection sensors to automatically shut off, this is a neat upgrade for almost every home.
-
Replaces many manual valves
-
The story is coherent
-
Simple operation
-
Bulky
-
It only turns in one direction
- Type: Cleaning – only vacuuming, mopping etc.
- Docking: What kind of dock does it come with
- Navigation system: LiDAR, SLAM etc
Whether you’re looking for a remote way to control gas or water, or to turn it off in an emergency, the Aqara Valve Controller T1 is a simple retrofit device that works with almost any butterfly or lever valve.
There are a few installation limitations, but in the right circumstances this handy kit is a great upgrade.
Design and installation
- Uses 4x AA batteries
- Operates with lever and butterfly valves
- It only turns in one direction
Manual valves are available to turn off the gas and water in case of an emergency or when work needs to be done. The Aqara Valve Controller T1 is designed to automate these valves, making it a great option in many situations.
Powered by four AA batteries, the Aqara Valve Controller T1 can be installed almost anywhere, although not outdoors: strangely, this valve controller is not waterproof itself.
It connects via Zigbee, so it needs a compatible hub to work. I used the Aqara M200, then bridged into the Matter platform to change my underfloor heating.
Before starting, I recommend that you get the Aqara Valve Controller T1 connected to the hub, then confirm the connection where it will be installed, all before you go to the trouble of actually installing it.
I installed my Aqara Valve Controller T1 in my underfloor heating. The plumber our builders used when we renovated the kitchen didn’t bother to install a two-hole valve, so our floor gets hot whenever the radiator is installed. However, I can use T1 to close the basement.
However, the Aqara Valve Controller T1 can work with any butterfly or lever valve. Combined with Aqara gas and leak detectors, you can create a fully automatic system that will shut off gas or water in the event of a problem.
Installation is trivial. Its motorized lever turns 90°, but only in one direction, so the Aqara Valve Controller T1 must be installed for proper operation of your valve.
As it is really big and big. I had to take the cast off to put it in, and even then, it fit me.
The adjustable collar made it easy to get a tight fit, so the Aqara Valve Controller T1 doesn’t move during operation, but I can’t reach the hand button to operate the valve manually, and I have to remove it to replace the batteries.
Features and functionality
- The story goes hand in hand with the harp
- It works smoothly and reliably
The Aqara Valve Controller T1 can be used directly from the Aqara app, with simple on/off control. It responds quickly to command, and there is a low whir as it works.
If you have Aqara sensors, such as a water leak sensor, you can automate everything from the app, say closing the valve when water is detected.
There is also a timer option, so you can use the sprinkler system, use it for a set amount of time before it shuts off. Of course, that requires the right type of valve, and one that is installed internally.
In my case, I connected the M200 to the Matter. Using Apple Home, I used Tado X. When the kitchen heating was on, I turned on the Aqara Valve Controller T1, to turn on the water; when the heat is off, the valve closes.
I used this practice all winter, and it worked without fail every time – saving money to get a plumber to come and install a two-hole valve.
Battery life is estimated at two years, assuming one on/off cycle per day. I use more than this per day during the Winter, but that’s less than half the year, so I think I’ll probably get two seasons of use out of a set of new batteries.
Final thoughts
A useful tool, the Aqara Valve Controller T1 automates any valve, as long as there is space to fit the large device in the right shape. As long as it fits, the Aqara Valve Controller T1 is a very useful tool, which can be automatic valves for safety or provide a remote way to control gas and water valves, which can be useful in the holiday home, shut things off when you are not there.
How do we test
When we publish our reviews, you can be sure that they are the result of “life” and long-term testing.
Smart valves usually live within an ecosystem, or a range of products – so-called – that all work in harmony. Therefore, it is impossible to use a smart valve for a week and bring a decision.
Because we test smart home kit all day, every day, we know what’s important and how certain smart valves compare to others you might consider.
Our reviews are comprehensive, objective and fair and, of course, we are not directly paid to review the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
As long as there is room to fit it, you can install this over any butterfly or lever valve.